E-learning for an Australian Vocational Education Export Industry

Revenue from Australian international education was a record $AU18.1 billion in 2015, the nation's largest services export and the fourth largest export industry overall (Minister for Education and Training, 2015). This revenue is primarily from international students from China and India, studying for university degrees on campuses in Australia and at international branch campuses. Chew and Holmes (2016) point out that Australia has been less successful in provision of vocational education and training (VET) at the sub-degree level, despite strong workplace demand for technically qualified staff. The resistance to on-line education which is evident, particularly in China for university degree programs, applies less to sub-degree programs. On-line DE sub-degree programs could not only provide a growth area for Australian education export, but also legitimize on-line degree provision.

References

Chew, J., & Holmes, S. (2016, February 21). We educate Asian graduates but they can't find jobs at home. The Australian Financial Review. Retrieved from http://www.afr.com/leadership/careers/jobs/we-educate-asian-graduates-but-they-cant-find-jobs-at-home-20160219-gmydwn

Minister for Education and Training. (2015, August 7). Education exports worth $18.1 billion. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://ministers.education.gov.au/pyne/education-exports-worth-181-billion